Lent begins Sunday, February 14. Lent is the traditional 40-day Christian season of prayer, fasting, and repentance prior to Easter. As Jesus entered into the desert at the beginning of his ministry for 40 days, so we withdraw intentionally, confess our sins, and experience God’s amazing grace and forgiveness. We begin our season together with […]
Read More »On Sunday, we called Suzette Mason as our new Minister of Children. I’m so excited that Suzette is joining our staff. She begins her journey with us in March. Pray for Suzette as she moves from Raleigh, North Carolina; and welcome her when she arrives. This week is a powerful time in the life of […]
Read More »As I shared Sunday, I will be meeting this week with the Northern Baptist Seminary community. This historic institution is located outside of Chicago. The main campus is in Lombard, and an extension campus is located Lawndale. Northern has been training ministers to serve the local church for over 100 years. The seminary is supported […]
Read More »Praise the Lord for his abundant blessings in 2015. After I wrote to you in November, you as a church family stepped up your financial support to the budget and Thanksgiving offering. Our staff reduced spending, and we were able to finish last year in great financial shape. Let me share a few details with […]
Read More »In Luke 8:20, Jesus’ biological family interrupted his teaching. “Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you.” Jesus replied by describing a strong Christian home: “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.” On February 5-7, for our annual Connections Weekend, our church will […]
Read More »The Witnesses of Christmas Luke 2:25-40 The Spirit falls on people who regularly worship and witness to what they have seen and heard. Each heart has been broken open to the world’s pain. Jesus’s birth heals them. Luke’s Cast of Christmas Characters in Luke 1-2: Zechariah and Joseph (Fathers) Elizabeth and Mary (Mothers) Worshipers and […]
Read More »Today, we listened to Zechariah’s sermon and hymn in Luke 1:67-80. For 9 months, Zechariah waited to preach this message. The old preacher’s — and new father’s — words are still relevant today. He explains that the way God changed the world back then is what he’s doing now. God not only wants us to […]
Read More »Fear overwhelms us. On the news, in the mall, in our neighborhoods, at home or school, around the world, many people dread what could happen to them. Everywhere we turn, there is an excuse to be afraid. During Advent, God takes our fears and uses them to transform us into people who kneel at the […]
Read More »Today’s worship service focused on Elizabeth and Mary’s commitment to the Lord. Elizabeth went into seclusion, and Mary left her home—not once, but twice—so that we could find Christmas. We heard a powerful testimony from Lynda Shackelford. She shared courageously about her journey through infertility and adoption. We also celebrated the baptisms of four new […]
Read More »Over the last few days, we’ve studied the Gospel of Matthew and learned ways that Jesus reaches people. Jesus reaches people in five very important ways. He reaches up to his heavenly Father depending on him for guidance every step of the way. He reaches across to others who were in their own synagogues and […]
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